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. 1977 Apr;74(4):1403–1406. doi: 10.1073/pnas.74.4.1403

In vitro biosynthesis of beta-endorphin in pituitary glands.

P Crine, S Benjannet, N G Seidah, M Lis, M Chrétien
PMCID: PMC430775  PMID: 266182

Abstract

beta-Endorphin is a 31 amino acid polypeptide isolated from the pituitary gland of different species of animals. It has strong morphine-like activity. It is formed of amino acid residues 61-91 of beta-lipotropin. Speculation has arisen whether it is biosynthesized in situ or transformed after secretion of beta-lipotropin. The present in vitro studies show that it is found as beta-endorphin in bovine pituitary slices incubated with radioactive amino acid precursor [35S]methionine. Chemical characterization and microsequencing of the newly biosynthesized material proves its identity with isolated unlabeled beta-endorphin and shows that it has a methionine residue at its fifth position, as expected.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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